A new child care center in Pelham Parkway is offering free care to Bronx families struggling with the high costs of childcare.

Grand Street Settlement runs the Pelham Parkway Child and Family Center. It's the nonprofit's first Bronx location. The center serves children ages 2 to 5 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The federally funded program also offers meals, hands-on learning, and support services for parents.

CEO Robert Cordero says child care costs are unbearable.

"The average cost of childcare for a 2- or 3-year-old in the City of New York is over $2,000 a month," Cordero said. "For parents that can even get discounted child care, it can eat up half of a family's annual income. Just child care alone."

For parent Felipe Jimenez, the center has already made a difference.

"My wife would take care of the kids. And I was working… now when they come over here and joined the program, she started working," he said.

Jimenez told News 12 that having his wife be able to work gives his family some much-needed relief when it comes to their finances.

The nonprofit says the Bronx has the fewest childcare centers per capita in the city and plans to open four more locations across the borough by the end of the summer.

The locations will be in Mott Haven, West Farms, Crotona Park, and Mount Eden, in addition to the existing Pelham Parkway location.

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